Method of operating an internal combustion engine in the engine braking mode

Abstract: In a method of operating an internal combustion engine in the engine braking mode, wherein an adjustable cross section adjusting means is provided in the exhaust system upstream of the exhaust gas purification device and at least one of the cylinders of the internal combustion engine is provided with a throttle valve, which, in the engine braking mode, is opened so that the cylinder content is discharged directly into the exhaust system during the compression stroke of the piston and at the same time, the cross section adjusting means is moved into a blocking position, whereupon an increased pressure level is generated in the exhaust system, in the event that a characteristic variable which corresponds to the exhaust gas temperature exceeds a given limit value, the cross section adjusting means is briefly opened and subsequently again closed to avoid overheating of the exhaust system.